"These will be based on the Tien Kung surface-to-air missiles (SAM)," it said, citing a document obtained by Jane's.

The missile development plan is part of Taiwan's missile procurement plans covering a 10-year period, it said.

Six batteries

Taiwan's defence ministry plans to procure six batteries of Patriot PAC-3 missile-defence systems within that timeframe.

China has targeted Taiwan with at least 500 short-range ballistic missiles and is adding more at the rate of 75 a year, according to US officials.

The Pentagon on Wednesday said Taiwan had requested the sale of two Ultra High Frequency long-range early warning radars capable of detecting ballistic and cruise missiles. It said they were worth nearly $1.8 billion.

"These will be based on the Tien Kung surface-to-air missiles (SAM)"

Jane's Missiles and Rockets magazine

Pentagon officials said the announcement had no connection with China-Taiwan tensions in the wake of the re-election in Taipei of President Chen Shui-bien.

Taiwan has deployed three batteries of PAC-II missiles to defend the densely populated greater Taipei area.